Monthly archives "June 2013"

Cape Town experienced perhaps the most extreme hailstorms in its human history this weekend. While my son and I played in the “snow”, those without shelter were having a torrid time, while many have been affected by the extreme conditions.

I was at Kirstenbosch for Saturday’s hail, and wandering around the rare fynbos section, wondered how well they’d cope with the white covering. I don’t need to wonder how Cape Town crops will cope with the hail. Not well! Local crops are not well adapted for hail, especially of the size and volume they experienced this weekend, so there will have been extensive damage, and its likely that not everything that was listed at first will be available in the full quantities.

While Cape Town experienced giant hailstorms, Oklahoma in the US experienced more extreme tornadoes, and, if it makes it, tropical storm Barbara will be the first ever recorded storm to move from the Eastern Pacific into the Atlantic with its storm centre intact.

We’re living in interesting times.

Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle doesn’t have the most appealing name, and many people’s first encounter with the plant is memorable for the wrong reasons, but it’s a nutritional wonder.

Briefly blanched, made into tea or turned into juice, and all traces of the sting will disappear. Nettle has high levels of many nutrients, including potassium, iron and sulphur. While sulphur too sounds more like the unwanted exhaust of a coal power station, as a nutrient its important for hair, skin and nail health.

It also contains a good blend of iron and vitamin C, mutually beneficial nutrients, and high levels of vitamin A.

A nettle mix can also be applied externally as a facial steam or a hair tonic.